National and overseas food specialists will zone in on Canterbury Food and Drink Festival in the city’s Dane John Gardens from Friday, September 26.

“There’s street food from across the globe, covering India, the Seychelles, Jamaica, Thailand, Italy and as well as the Kent coast and countryside,” said festival organiser Victoria Hazell.

“Produced in Kent has put on the Horseshoe – an area exclusively for the very best Kent producers, growers and artisans. It’s the place to fill the larder.”

Cookery demonstrations will be given by the experts, including TV chef Dev Biswal who recently opened one of his celebrated Ambrette restaurants in Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury.

It’s not all about edible delicacies – the fruit of Kent’s vines in liquid form will flow, too. Kent brewers have been putting their speed, skill and creativity to the test to create the ultimate seasonal beer for the county’s Green Hop Beer Fortnight, which begins at Canterbury Food and Drink Festival on Friday.

“Kent Green Hop Beers are made using hops fresh from the vine instead of waiting for them to be dried, and capture the incredible flavours normally lost in the traditional drying process,” said Victoria. “Nearly every brewery in the county takes part.”

If you’re wondering how you’re going to entertain the children, the organisers have got that covered too. A Little Lounge area will be bringing workshops, messy play and face painting, circus workshops, entertainers and miniature funfair rides.

There will also be a Buskers’ Stage that will host some of the city’s favourite street musicians, including A.R.T Jazz Trio, Brendan Power and Joe Jones, Richard Navarro and the Tunes.

FACTFILE

The Canterbury Food and Drink Festival is in the Dane John Gardens from Friday, September 26 until Sunday, September 28. Visit www.canterbury.co.uk/canterburyfoodfestival for more info.

Also in Canterbury this weekend, Funghi Magnifici is at Carluccio’s in Fenwick from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28 from 10am to 6pm. TV chef Antonio Carluccio will be making an appearance at 11am on Friday to talk about mushrooms and take part in a book signing at 11am. Visit www.carluccios.com/restaurants/canterbury.